And here you are, in the Empress' Court!

Proceed cautiously here, among the very highest of high counselors, secretaries and hangers-on. Keeping in their favour, and the Empress', of course, is important! Here you can call in favours from other Society notables, if you wish. But, there are opportunities here for both romance and creativity!

How does one get to The Empress' Court?

You gain access to Court from using your contacts with the Duchess or other Society nobles at The Shuttered Palace. Once there, plan to spend some time because you'll need to use more connections to get back in, should you leave.

The Empress' Court Storylets…

Storylets at Court are challenges for your Persuasive Quality. However, choosing to engage in romantic or creative pursuits will open up even more storylets. The links below will jump to a new page describing the storylets available in the the Empress' Court.

This was Feast of the Exceptional Rose 2012…it is historical, and probably doesn't belong here…

The Duchess's Banquet

The Duchess is holding a banquet of some kind at the Palace in honour of the Feast of the Exceptional Rose…The more Admired have been invited. That's you, of course.unlocked with Admired 3

Catch the attention of the Duchess

The Duchess has many things in common with her feline companions. They say that if you approach her with perfect stealth, she will tell you a secret.unlocked with Admired 5Shadowy challenge, straightforward < 77

The old city

You startle the Duchess by coughing quietly while standing directly behind her. She twists her head around at a peculiar angle and smiles, briefly but warmly - a rare expression indeed for her. 'A matter of the City,' she says thoughtfully. She whispers something else, her lips an inch from your ear.
When your senses return, you are in your lodgings. An ancient clay tablet sits on the table. What has happened? What did she say?Shadowy increase
You've moved to a new area: your Lodgings Gain: 2 x Appalling Secret
Gain: 2 x Relic of the Second CityNightmares increase

Share a little honey with the Captivating Princess

The Captivating Princess was born in the year of the Fall. She wears scandal like a Parisian gown, and is rumoured to have a taste for honey.
A matter of luck: it could go either way.unlocked with Admired 7

A delightful dream

She is charming. She finds you charming. Would you care to share a little honey after the dessert? You would? Splendid.
Envious eyes and three chaperones follow your departure to a private chamber. You share a dream of bright skies, sunlight and endless lush grass. She is distant, but lovely. You must see her again! You were fortunate!Making Waves increaseScandal increase
Gain: 5 x Inkling of Identity

Joke with His Amused Lordship

His Amused Lordship is an occasional visitor to the palace. He is known to appreciate humour bordering on the bawdy. He is suspected of frequenting lower class establishments of entertainment in disguise.unlocked with Admired 9

'..and then the spider-council said, "Well, how many legs does she need?"'

His Amused Lordship roars with laughter until the dining hall shakes. You will remember that laugh - he won't be able to disguise it if the rumours about him are true. He slaps your back in a comradely fashion, and tells you the one about the Drownie and the Starveling Cat.

Below the palace

The cellars are a maze. You are soon lost. You can hear the music more clearly, though. If it is music. Huge drums play irregular rhythms. Is that a harp? Something rushes past you in the near-total darkness. Good God. What was that thing? A mis-shapen form a good yard taller than you. Was it… dancing? What is this place?